Psalms 140:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 140:5
5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
Chapter Context
Psalms 140 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, discipleship, covenant. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 140:5
5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
Analysis
"Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves." The petition al titen YHWH ma'awayei rasha (do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked) asks God to frustrate evil intentions. Ma'awah (desire/craving) indicates what the wicked long for. Zemamo al taphek (his scheme do not promote/accomplish). Zimmah (device/scheme/plan) means plot or evil design; puq (bring forth/accomplish) means to grant success. Yarumu selah (lest they exalt themselves). Rum (be high/exalted) indicates pride; selah marks pause for reflection. The plea: don't allow wickedness to succeed, producing arrogant pride. When evil prospers, the wicked become emboldened, mocking God and oppressing the righteous (Psalm 73:3-12). God's justice requires thwarting evil schemes.
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, God frustrated wicked schemes: confusing languages at Babel (Genesis 11:7-9), hardening Pharaoh's heart to display power (Exodus 14:4), delivering Israel from Haman's genocide plot (Esther 3-7), protecting Daniel from lions (Daniel 6), foiling Herod's infanticide against Jesus (Matthew 2:13-18), freeing Peter from prison (Acts 12:6-11). Yet God also allowed evil temporary success for greater purposes: Joseph's brothers' betrayal led to preservation (Genesis 50:20), Jesus's crucifixion accomplished salvation (Acts 2:23-24, 4:27-28). God's ways are inscrutable but always just. Evil may prosper briefly but will ultimately be judged (Psalm 37, 73).
Reflection
- How should believers respond when the wicked seem to prosper and their schemes succeed?
- What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and His thwarting evil designs?
- How does remembering God's past frustration of evil plots strengthen confidence in present battles?